Porsche helps create unforgettable experiences for children with critical illnesses

Since its founding in 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes for children in nearly 50 countries. Over the past three years, Porsche has donated more than 1.7 million euros (approximately $ 2 million) to Make-A-Wish. By doing so, the sports car manufacturer aims to fulfill 356 children’s wishes – a figure inspired by the first Porsche model, the Porsche 356.

“At Make-A-Wish International, we believe in the life-changing power of a wish. A wish is more than a moment of joy – it creates lasting ripple effects of hope, strength, and resilience for children with critical illnesses and their families. We are deeply grateful to Porsche for joining us in our mission to bring these transformative experiences to life,” says Luciano Manzo, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish International.

"Social responsibility is firmly anchored in Porsche culture," adds Verónica Sapena-Mas, Director Funding Projects at Porsche AG. “Together with Make-A-Wish, we want to give children and their families something positive to focus on in difficult times."

Make-A-Wish has a special connection to the United States. It started in Phoenix, Arizona when the community came together to support a 7-year-old boy battling leukemia. His wish? To be a police officer.

“Alongside colleagues around the world we are proud to have supported the Make-A-Wish program,” said Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America (PCNA). “We have been able to witness first-hand the profound and important work to help bring a little bit of happiness to the lives of these special children.”

Thanks to the partnership between Make-A-Wish and Porsche, more than 300 wishes have already been granted – and a further 50 will follow by the end of 2025.

Here are five examples:

Fifteen-year-old Caleb from the US – a winter dream in the Rockies

Caleb, who lives in Atlanta and has cystic fibrosis, has always dreamed of experiencing snow. During a trip to the Rocky Mountains, he enjoyed sleigh rides with huskies, snow tubing and hikes in the national park. For Caleb and his family, the trip became a cherished winter fairy tale, filled with unforgettable memories.

Five-year-old Carlos from Mexico – seeing the sea for the first time

Carlos, who has leukemia, lives in Mexico City. His greatest wish was to one day visit the ocean. Together with his father, he traveled to Cancún, where the Porsche Centre Cancún/Mérida warmly welcomed him. For four days, Carlos and his father played games, built sandcastles and took trips on the Riviera Maya. Carlos beamed with joy – especially when he saw the sea for the first time.

Qing (4), China – fascinated by trains

Qing, who has melanoma skin cancer, lives in Guizhou. He loves high-speed trains and his wish was to visit the Chinese Railway Museum in Beijing. There, Qing enthusiastically explored the history of the railway – from steam locomotives to modern bullet trains. For Qing, it was a day marked by happiness, curiosity and the joy of discovery.

Marta (16), Portugal – one giant leap

Marta, from Lisbon, is creative, courageous and full of joie de vivre. Her (rather daring) wish was to skydive. Despite some – quite understandable – pre-flight nerves, she boarded the plane and took to the sky. The moment in the clouds became a symbol of hope and strength for Marta. "Today I had the incredible opportunity to fulfil a very special wish," she says.

Faris (5), Singapore – a birthday on Sentosa Island

Faris, who lives with West syndrome, a rare but severe form of epilepsy, wished for a special birthday on Sentosa Island. Faris, along with his family, were taken by a Porsche to a hotel where a beautifully decorated room and a birthday cake awaited him. Together, they celebrated a day full of joy and gratitude.